Antacid (Oral)
Class Name: antacid (Oral route)
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Alternagel
- Brioschi
- Dewee's Carminative
- Mag-Gel 600
- NexIUM
- Pepto Bismol
- Phillips Milk of Magnesia
- Riopan
- Rolaids
In Canada
- Alka-Seltzer Relief Chews - Heartburn
- Alumag
- Amphojel
- Amphojel 500
- Antacid
- Antacid Plus
- Antacid Stomaax
- Antacid Stomaax Plus Simethicone Antiflatulent
- Bismuth Extra Strength
- Bismuth Original Formula
- Calcium Antacid Extra Strength
- Compliments Bismuth - Regular Strength
Available Dosage Forms:
- Gel/Jelly
- Tablet
- Suspension
- Tablet, Chewable
- Capsule, Liquid Filled
- Solution
- Capsule
- Granule
- Tablet, Effervescent
- Powder
Uses for this Medicine
Antacids are taken by mouth to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, or acid indigestion. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acid. Some antacid combinations also contain simethicone, which may relieve the symptoms of excess gas. Antacids alone or in combination with simethicone may also be used to treat the symptoms of stomach or duodenal ulcers.
With larger doses than those used for the antacid effect, magnesium hydroxide (magnesia) and magnesium oxide antacids produce a laxative effect. The information that follows applies only to their use as an antacid.
Some antacids, like aluminum carbonate and aluminum hydroxide, may be prescribed with a low-phosphate diet to treat hyperphosphatemia (too much phosphate in the blood). Aluminum carbonate and aluminum hydroxide may also be used with a low-phosphate diet to prevent the formation of some kinds of kidney stones. Aluminum hydroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
These medicines are available without a prescription. However, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use and dose of these medicines for your medical problem.
Importance of Diet
Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on a low-sodium diet. Some antacids contain large amounts of sodium.
Before using this Medicine
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Antacids should not be given to young children (under 6 years of age) unless ordered by their doctor. Since children cannot usually describe their symptoms very well, a doctor should first check the child. The child may have a condition that needs other treatment. If so, antacids will not help and may even cause unwanted effects or make the condition worse. In addition, aluminum- or magnesium-containing medicines should not be given to premature or very young children because they may cause serious side effects, especially when given to children who have kidney disease or who are dehydrated.
Geriatric
Aluminum-containing antacids should not be used by elderly persons with bone problems or with Alzheimer's disease. The aluminum may cause their condition to get worse.
Pregnancy
Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals...
